Formally adopted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in 2014, Cobble Lookout is a relatively new hiking destination that is family-friendly and very rewarding due to its spectacular 180-degree view of the Adirondacks.
Cobble Lookout — no relation to Cobble Hill in Lake Placid — is a broad rubble ledge with a sheer drop-off. The overlook is located on the eastern side of Morgan Mountain of the Stephenson Range in the Wilmington Wild Forest.
Hikers will encounter the trailhead in a small parking lot just off Gillespie Road. The parking area can accommodate about four to five cars, with plenty of roadside parking available if the parking area is full.
The well-marked, blue-blazed trail proceeds through the forest on a mostly level grade with only a 250-foot elevation gain over 1.3 miles. The trail winds easily along making it suitable for families with children who want to explore hiking areas and trails away from the heavily visited High Peaks.
The broad view from the lookout gets hikers up close to Esther Mountain (4,240 feet) and Whiteface Mountain (4,867 feet) — two of the Adirondack 46 High Peaks that tower to the right.
As you look out to the east you will see the Giant Mountain Wilderness, Hurricane Mountain, Jay Mountain and many other peaks in the distance. Down below, the West Branch Ausable River can be seen making its turn toward its confluence with the East Branch of the Ausable River to form the mighty Ausable River at Ausable Forks.
The trail is also a favorite snowshoeing route; however, due to high winds, the ledge may be clear of or contain very little snow, which could make for tricky footing in snowshoes.
A point of interest is the nearby quarry where the material to build the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway was taken.
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